Category: HQ

Sanitizing in a Time of a Pandemic

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

What has the pandemic taught us? That our enemy is ever-evolving. We are witnessing the impact of a fast-spreading socially infectious pathogen.  And your tactical gear is a breeding ground for those potential pathogens.

 

Global Ozone Innovations has been working to find ways to defeat pathogens, such as Coronavirus.  They teamed with hospital groups, FDA, and NASA; and participated in an independent study by Georgia Tech to improve the Coronavirus sanitation method.  Global Ozone Innovations created the Decon Zone Sanitizing System as a vehicle for pathogen control. And now that control is at the fingertips of our front line responders.

 

Global Ozone Innovations created the Decon Zone Sanitizing System to regulate your disinfectant program. Utilizing the Decon Zone Sanitizing System, your application and disinfectant program can be reliable, accountable, and repeatable. Since time and concentration are the critical elements for disinfection, you need your system to be dependable. And if a new pathogen strain is discovered and requires additional time to achieve the proper kill percentage, you need to be capable of modifying the program. The Decon Zone Sanitizing System is reliable and adjustable.

The Decon Zone Sanitizing System has evolved to put all these parameters at your fingertips. You are now in control of the critical elements, controlling both disinfectant concentration and time of application. If you need to increase the amount of pathogen kill rate, you can change at the controls.  Additionally, the Decon Zone system lets you know when maintenance is required.  The maintenance program helps the system achieve maximum performance for reliability, repeatability, and accountability.

 

Items sanitized in the Decon Zone Sanitizing System cover a broad range of personal protective equipment such as body armor, face masks, goggles, shoes, scuba gear, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, riot gear, PAPR suits, gas masks, sports, boxing, and combative equipment.  Even medical equipment, such as stethoscopes, lab coats, knee & elbow braces, portable stretchers, backboards, and other first responder equipment. If it can’t go in the laundry, run it through the Decon Zone unit. It is made for all PPE to mitigate cross-contamination from these lethal pathogens.

 

Decon Zone is designed to defeat these pathogens, such as Covid-19, but can also meet the requirements of future pathogens. Decon Zone will help you achieve the level of protection your unit deserves.

CineMassive Expeditionary Visualization Systems

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

Having served in a variety of staffs, from the squadron to a Marine Force component as an S6/G6, there were few technology solutions more difficult to fully utilize than video teleconference systems (VTCs) and the video wall displays in both garrison and tactical conference rooms.  Video walls and their remote control systems had never been standardized, so the variations I experienced were vast, but the problems were similar:

  • Unfamiliar and/or difficult to operate user interface
  • Screens that flicker or do not work reliably
  • Poorly documented systems with little or no user guide help
  • Countless other network gremlins that show up at only the most important meetings

 

Inevitably there was always an issue that just made the video wall not work unless a special contractor with magic fairy dust made it suddenly work.  Given their expense, video walls were not easily replaced without proper budget planning.  They were also heavy, delicate, and not expeditionary – even the video walls we put into bulky, often homemade, embarkation cases, and deployed anyway.  CineMassive would have answered my prayers back then, so they may be the answer to your prayers now if you’re struggling with an outdated, difficult to operate, or even broken video wall.

 

CineMassive’s video wall offerings are impressive and they offer full-service support for them.  For brevity, I will only focus on their expeditionary and tactical visualization systems although they have solutions that support fixed rooms as well.  The heart of their expeditionary capability is their Alpha FX Stryke or Alpha FX Stryke SR processors.

 

The Alpha FX Stryke processor is rugged (no moving parts, MIL-STD-810G certification pending), man-portable (fits in a backpack and weighs 12 lbs), will work on battery backup if needed, and can support four 4K HDMI inputs and outputs.  Pre-loaded with the CineNet control software, it’s intuitive to set up varying screen layouts that the user, or command center, or commander’s conference room support, can easily understand and configure without calling for technical assistance.

 

The Alpha FX Stryke SR processor is semi-rugged, weighs 5 lbs. (fits in a backpack), and supports four 4K HDMI inputs and outputs. The Alpha FX Stryke SR is equipped with CineNet control software.

 

The Alpha FX Stryke and Alpha FX Stryke SR will work with any display (or projector). As an additional option, CineMassive has two kits that provide a ruggedized carrying case and a 2 X 2 industrial-grade 4K LCD video wall display (that’s four 22-inch LCD displays with 1920X1080 resolution).

If you need a larger video wall and you don’t have to hand carry it all in, you can opt for the Scalable Mobile Display (SMD) option.  This turn-key video wall system comes packed in rugged transport cases, requires no tools to put together, and includes the Alpha FX video wall processor, 10-inch touch screen with CineNet software, CineView LCD displays, mounting frame, all cables, and connectors.  The SMD option comes in 2 X 2, 4 X 2, or 6 X 2 display configurations with standard 12 video capture ports (can go up to 28).  Those video capture ports are where the various PCs/laptops, TV tuners, and VTC codecs plug in to be displayed simultaneously.  The COC can be up in minutes.

As easy as the SMD is to set up, configure, and operate, I would still recommend getting their onsite training package and GuardianCare 24/7 support.  CineMassive will support training OCONUS and will provide both remote and on-site support via GuardianCare.

 

It’s everything I needed, but just did not have, for an expeditionary video wall.

Panasonic Toughbook Series FZ-N1 Tactical

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

Have you ever dropped a smartphone, even one that you’ve spent the extra money for the hardened case that surrounds it, and still have the screen crack?  Do you work outside, in the rain, with gloves on and get frustrated because you cannot get your smartphone to work in the rain, or with gloves?  Do you get frustrated not being able to see your screen while outside on a sunny day?  How many times have you looked around for a power outlet because your phone was about to die and you wished you could just replace the battery?  If those scenarios describe your frustrations with your current smartphone, then please let me introduce the new Panasonic Toughbook FZ-N1 Tactical, the Fully Rugged Android handheld that solves those problems.

Most know the N1 as the built-in scanning device that delivery service carriers have to scan the packages as they deliver them, but this new N1 Tactical will not have the scanner.  The first version of the scanner-less N1 was a Wi-Fi device only, but with its rugged (MIL-STD-810G and IP 65/66/67/68), small form factor, and consistent size, weight, and power in versions, it was a logical choice to implement for tactical handhelds.  Panasonic listened to their customers and the N1 Tactical to be released in July, 2020, will come in Wi-Fi only, one SIMM, or dual SIMM versions (AT&T and Verizon, FirstNet capable), and all variants will be the same size, weight, and power.  Full specifications have not yet been released, but it will come with a Multi-core Qualcomm CPU capable of supporting Android 9 or 10 OS, which is capable of running the latest versions of ATAK, APAS, or other situational awareness applications and plugins.   The 4.7 inch HD 1280 x 720 screen is daytime viewable.  With its 10-point capacitive, multi-touch display, the N1 works in the rain and with gloves with the Panasonic patented rain sensing and glove input modes.  It will have two cameras, full HD 5MP in the front and 8MP rear.  It comes with a 12-hour removable, warm swappable battery that can fully recharge within two hours.  All N1 variants come with three programmable buttons, so all those applications you would want to get to quickly can be programmed to show up (or go away) at the push of a button.

Quantico Tactical worked with Juggernaut Design and developed cases and cables for the N1.  You can choose a Fischer connector to plug directly into an L3Harris AN/PRC-152A side hat adapter, or a Nett-Warrior standard cable that will plug into any of GlenAir’s StarPan hubs.  The latter option is particularly useful since the N1 will charge while in use, giving you even more time to complete the mission.  To make it easy for customers, we are working with Panasonic to list the Nett Warrior case/cable solution with Panasonic as an available-to-order accessory.

Panasonic’s three year warranty is the best out there, so if you and/or your team are really rough on your handheld devices, you can still get support.  In the rare event of a failure, devices will be delivered overnight, at no expense to you, to and from the US-based service center with a sub 2-day average repair turnaround.  For any technical issues, you can leverage the 24/7 US based technical support hotline, 1-800-LAPTOP5.  You can also have the peace of mind that when a new version comes out that you can still use the same cases and cables as you have previously, which is not only a significant cost savings, but allows you to keep your kit exactly the way you had it.

If you are interested in the N1 Tactical, you can contact us at Quantico Tactical.

Next Generation X-Ray Solutions

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

Logos Imaging was the first company to introduce a glass-free DR flat panel imager to the security market, and now offers a full line of these rugged imagers. Their DR systems are designed and manufactured with ruggedness in mind to ensure exceptional performance and enhance field operation functionality even in harsh climate conditions. Logos Imaging, a Colorado based leading provider of innovative and cost-effective portable x-ray solutions, with an installed base of more than 4,000 field tested imaging systems worldwide, is committed to developing next generation X-ray solutions. Through strategic partnerships with US National Laboratories and increased R&D funding, their staff of electrical, mechanical, and software engineers are positioned to achieve their full potential as they continue to release truly revolutionary products.

 

PRÓTOS: At just 2.2 lb and 0.5” thick, this is the smallest and lightest imager offered by Logos Imaging while providing exceptional image quality (16 bit, 208 μm) and a narrow bottom border of just 5 mm. The versatile PRÓTOS system is easily deployed by a single operator and designed for incidents where size and speed are paramount.

XIRÓS (12”x12” Image Area) and STENÓS (14”x17” Image Area): The XIRÓS and STENÓS panel’s glass-free design allows for the smallest borders on the market at just 3 mm without compromising image quality (16 bit, 140 μm). Coupled with the IP67 rated enclosure, these panels stand apart from the competition in durability. With multiple wireless options, including custom mesh network integration, these systems are at the cutting edge of X-ray technology for the modern day warfighter.

 

Innovative Hearing Protection

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

Innovative hearing protection technology provides exceptional situational awareness for greater tactical success

OTTO Engineering is collaborating with tactical operators in all branches of the military to design and manufacture a better type of hearing protection for today’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and federal agent. The goal is to enhance, rather than inhibit, combat performance. The result is OTTO’s NoizeBarrier® line of hearing protection. The NoizeBarrier® Micro electronic earplugs and the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset give today’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen the hearing protection they need with the advanced situational awareness and communications clarity required to prevail in combat. In addition, OTTO’s Multiport Hub PTT simplifies communications with advanced audio steering to minimize distractions when using multiple communications devices.

 

Proprietary NoizeBarrier® technology can enhance combat performance in three ways:

 

  1. Detect Threats with Greater Accuracy

Instead of dampening sounds completely and compromising the ability to hear what’s happening nearby, the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset and NoizeBarrier® Micro electronic earplugs feature proprietary technology that actually improves situational awareness. NoizeBarrier® technology enhances low frequency sounds, like nearby voices and movement, and minimizes distracting and damaging noises to enable soldiers to hear essential commands and approaching danger with greater clarity. With the NoizeBarrier® true 360-degree soundscape, soldiers can easily determine with near certainty the direction sounds are coming from and how far they are away from the current location.

 

The NoizeBarrier® Micro electronic earplugs take situational awareness to the next level with an enhanced mode that provides 5X amplification of soft sounds. With enhanced mode on, soldiers can hear clearer than ever, providing greater safety in the field. When quick reactions matter, verbal commands issued in barely detectible whispers and sounds as minimal as clothes brushing against skin can be clearly heard and quickly pinpointed. In combat, soldiers can identify potential threats and recognize friendly forces faster and with greater certainty.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          

  1. Improve Communications Clarity

With NoizeBarrier® hearing protection, soldiers do not have to rely on their ability to interpret hand motions or read lips to react quickly and follow orders. Proprietary situational awareness technology allows normal-level sounds to be easily heard, while suppressing loud noise and impulse blasts to internationally accepted safe levels. Verbal commands can be heard completely and clearly without distortion, clipping or cutting out.

The same holds true for incoming radio transmissions for soldiers using the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset. Some headsets indiscriminately distort and cut-out incoming transmissions when the noise in the surrounding environment is too loud. Essential transmissions can be fragmented or even lost, which clearly jeopardizes the safety of the mission. With the NoizeBarrier® TAC there is no clipping of transmitted commands or shut-down of situational awareness, allowing soldiers to remain focused, alert and primed for mission success.

  1. Simplify Control of Communications Devices

In today’s combat arena, soldiers are connected to multiple communication devices. Control of the devices can be distracting and compromise safety and combat performance if not managed well. The Multi-Port Hub PTT is designed to integrate seamlessly with the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset to centralize control of as many as three different communication devices. Incoming transmissions from different devices are sent to separate ears (audio steering) for clarity and safety in critical engagements. In short, the Hub simplifies communications and helps soldiers maintain situational awareness, location awareness (when used with an ATAK-type device), clarity and focus during critical operations.

PrincetonTec Helmet Lighting

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

Princeton Tec has been a leader in headlamps and lighting solutions for 45 years.  At Quantico Tactical we believe in partnering with the best manufacturers for today’s mission.  Here are some of the new products and true operational performers from Princeton Tec that interest us and should interest you.

 

Headlamp: Vizz Tac MPLS:  New to the tried and true MPLS Headlamp line-up, the Vizz Tactical MPLS packs a powerful 420 lumen and dimmable spot beam, and is the brightest of the series. MPLS standing for Modular Personal Lighting System allows the user to mount or move the light from head, to helmet, to MOLLE with ease and efficiency. Specialty light users will find four color LEDS: red, blue, green and IR, which are all available in the same light. Set and change the order your specialty color LED appear, to your specific needs and preferences. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the Vizz Tactical MPLS is a top of the line choice in tactical lighting, equipped to endure your next mission. Available in Tan, Multicam and Black.

Link: https://princetontec.com/product/vizz-tactical-mpls/

Helmet Light: Charge:  The Charge MPLS series is the natural evolution of personal task lights; boasting an exclusive flexi-neck design that gets spot illumination to the task at hand by incorporating a high power white Maxbright LED for distance spotting and a cluster of three Ultrabright LEDs in various color configurations to meet the needs of specialized users. The Maxbright LED required a full two-second press of the button to be turned on to avoid accidental activation and is fully dimmable. Available in a wide array of LED and body colors.

Link: https://princetontec.com/product/charge/

Lantern: Helix Back Country Multicam:  This small and compact lantern delivers more area light, than many of its larger competitors and gets even smaller when folded down for travel. With dimmable white and red modes, Helix is easy to use and water resistant. The legs conform to any surface, allowing for secure placement in any situation. Removing the collapsible globe creates a directional spotlight that can be used in a wide array of scenarios. Operating with three AAA batteries for up to 12 hours of use, the Helix is great for any adventure or base camp.

Link: https://princetontec.com/product/helix-backcountry/

Posted in HQ

Heads Up Situational Awareness With Augmented Reality

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

I wish we had Augmented Reality in my NVG when I was in Afghanistan and Iraq.  We would get lost at night in the “Sneek up” on our route to the Target Area.   Everything looked the same in a city of sand, this way we could just plan our route in ATAK, select it in ARC4, and just follow it in our NVG’s.   Our team would not have to open our phones every 1/8 of a mile.   Our light discipline would be excellent without the exposure of the light coming off the phone and this definitely would have increased our Situational Awareness Perspective.   I could have walked right up to the Soldier I needed and not have to go through 7 other guys that look the same at night.  Motorcycle and ATV Operations would be awesome because you would not have to stop!  “Being able to see past the capability of NVG’s is a game changer!”

Augmented Reality has found its place maximizing the already in use heads up display and navigational 2D data.  ARA has released Augmented Reality Command Control Communicate and Coordinate, ARC4.  This system is currently in use with Air Force Special Operations Command and deployed to Southwest Asia Theater of operations.

The ARC4 offers the unique advantage of using a HUD to show all necessary command and control functions in 3D.  The HUD utilizes a Situational Awareness, SA, ring at the bottom of the screen.  This shows you where you are, where you are looking, where teammates are and where tactical points of interest are around you.  The software is intuitive as it moves to future check points as you progress.  You can also send and receive commands, create new points of interest and define new navigation routes in real time without speaking over comms.  This information can be used and created in real time by both in field personnel or remote higher command.

The all in one Recon device includes all of the necessary sensors to geo-locate the camera and the direction it is looking.  The camera connects via any open port using Black Diamond Assaulter or Glenair cables and hubs.  The cables connect the camera system to a Battle Management Program such as ATAK with the ATAK HUD plugin.  Running that information back to a HUD connecting directly into a clip on night display, or Ecoti/Ecosi for system integration.  The system also has a daytime HUD that integrates in standard mounting gear to place a clear lens to see all of the same information with full daylight.

The ARC4 recon truly is a heads up display that no longer requires you to look down at your map or navigational equipment.  The ARC4 system with a network hub is designed not to eat up too much battery power. Lasting more than 8 hours on a small radio battery is not uncommon.

 

See the ARC4 Details

 

ARC4 table talk

Night Video

Day HUD

LED Smart Lighting

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

Are you looking for LED lighting solutions?  Here at Quantico Tactical we have partnered with LED Smart to meet the Defense wide requirement and the need for low power consuming LED lighting.

LED Smart was founded in 1995 to take advantage of the emerging market in LED technology. They have been at the forefront of unique applications for LED technology and advanced LED lighting systems.   They are able to maintain their high quality due to manufacturing and assembling their own products.  They also have their own design and engineering team to meet future customer demands.  LED Smart currently holds many US, Canada and International patents for their LED technology. In 2006, LED Smart first introduced the LED lighting tube style of products that are used in many industries today.  The company has earned a great reputation for the ability to design and manufacture high quality, long lasting LED products.

Their most sought after product is the highly robust HTL light bar.  The HTL light bar used for expeditionary shelters, flexible tent and medical tent applications. The two designed ends are designed to be hung via straps or fixed hooks.  These tube lights are IP 67 waterproof rated and rugged enough to take a tactical beating.  They are also designed to save precious power in any operational or medical shelter environment. LED Smart HTL Light bars last 5 times longer than standard florescent tubes. The HTL light bar has an end to end design that allows you to string the light tubes together to meet all your tent lighting needs.

LED Smart became an approved vendor to the US Navy in January 2017.  The FLZ family of tubular shipboard tubes have been built to rigorous standards of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for use with all ships in the US Navy.  Quantico Tactical and LED Smart were able to set a new standard of price, quality and delivery.  The FLZ tubes saved nearly $14 million to the US Government in 2017.  LED Smart products are a dramatic improvement over the competition producing first-generation LED lights.  The FLZ is lighter, brighter, more durable and lasts longer than any competing light.  The Quantico Tactical/LED Smart team was able to cut the delivery time to the Navy fleet from competitors at 90+ days to only 10 days or less with Quantico Tactical and LED Smart.

LED Smart has products on 185+ US Navy ships since 2017.  Each year a new product has been approved by NAVSEA for use throughout the fleet.  Several new products are in the approval process.  LED Smart products are found on the most advanced warships in the world.

 

 

Quantico Tactical has the best pricing available for these high quality LED lighting tubes.  If you want more specific information about any products, pricing or availability please email us.

Rapid Network Implementation

Posted on by Mathew Pruitt

If there is one thing this pandemic has driven home is that communications capacity planning for an emergency is better done before the need hits.  It’s also better if that plan is exercised periodically to remind ourselves of all the myriad details our information technology and cybersecurity personnel deal with every day to keep us securely connected.  The news feeds are full of the Herculean efforts by major telecommunications companies, software and collaboration services companies, DOD and Federal Agencies, and small businesses to figure out how to turn themselves into nearly 100% teleworking organizations.  Then there are the hospitals and DOD Defense Support to Civil Authorities support missions that suddenly find the need to extend networks to external locations to provide point of care solutions to those locations.  Notwithstanding the growing pains, bandwidth throttling, cybersecurity issues, and successful hacks, like all networks, after some time to “burn in,” things are working.  Now is the time for the IT, Cyber, and Comm folks to grab their operations officers and logistics officers, get a cup of coffee, gather around virtual conference table and write the after action reports.  These should become the lessons learned and the critical purchases/current year deficiency priorities.  What could have been done, done better, or not done at all, to make rapid network expansion easier and secure?  What did your organization need to buy, lease, or subscribe to rapidly to get operational quickly?  Would you choose different solutions now?  Here are some solutions to consider:

 

4G Mobile Broadband Kits (MBKs) were a clear winner for the rapid response deployed capability for COVID response.  Major telecommunications and cellular providers made it easy to get them by adding the MBKs to a subscriber’s bill and delivering them to their customers.  These MBKs are configurable, but generally come in hardened, hand-carry Pelican cases, have configurable firewall, Virtual Private Network and other network capabilities; have 2 GB LAN/WAN port, are battery powered for 4-8 hours, and provide WiFi access for 1-50 users.  These MBKs are widely used throughout US Government Agencies, Military, and Law Enforcement particularly during disaster response.  4K Solutions is the leading provider of MBKs and their products are listed on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s approved products list.

 

RIVA Network’s NanoSat mobile phone network kit is another option and one that will work in areas where there is no public infrastructure to tie into.  RIVA Network’s NanoSat not only comes with the cellular and satellite transmitters, network, battery-backup, and deployable case like the MBKs, RIVA Networks is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) with a Network Operations Center connected to the Global Roaming Alliance.  They can route calls and traffic from anywhere to one’s phone.  One can keep the same phone number no matter where deployed in the world.  It works with all commercial satellite systems, and the cell sites are available in GSM, CDMA, 3G, 4G LTE and WiMax.  It is a complete mobile solution for all mobile devices anywhere one needs to be.

 

If satellite access is the driving factor, Viasat’s AN/TSC-241 Multi-Mission Terminal (MMT), while a larger, but still transportable, solution, delivers IP-based voice, video, and data networks over X-, Ku-, commercial Ka-, and military Ka- bands, including operation with Viasat’s high-capacity network.  A simple change of the feed arm allows allows the terminal to access the specific satellite band.   Combined with a something like PacStar’s 400 Series or Smart Gateway capabilities to implement the IP network or wireless network and one can have a command operations center up and running within 30 minutes (preconfigured, of course, ahead of time).

 

The options available for communications and connectivity are vast beyond these three examples and the decision is an important one.  A number of factors, other than costs, should go into the decision of what an organization buys/leases to be ready for an emergency. I learned these planning factors as ‘DOTMLPF’:  Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership, Personnel, and Facilities.  Without getting into full details of a DOTMLPF planning process, it provides a mechanism to think through other employment considerations, including costs, and it is a process I would advise all to apply to any significant purchase or procurement to ensure that the solution meets requirements.  At Quantico Tactical, we work with thousands of great vendors with products that can fit your needs, including those previously discussed.  We can help you find solutions that will best fit your organization’s ability to employ it.

COVID 19

Posted on by Miller

Well here we are.  COVID 19 has us all changing our routines.  We typically get the chance to see you at tradeshows, industry days and demonstrations, like AUSA, Shot Show and Modern Day Marine.  These venues offer a great opportunity to see you face-to-face.  We get to learn what problems you are facing and we get to educate you on the latest solutions.  Unfortunately, with the current circumstances these events have been canceled and seeing you face-to-face is a little more difficult.  We want to be safe and want you to be safe.  To do that we need to keep our physical distance but we want to connect with you to inform you of the best products in the world for your mission.  Launching now is our new blog as an addition to our website.  We’ll fill this blog with the best, most relevant products and brands that we think you need to know about.  If you want more specific information about a product, pricing or availability please email at Quotes@QuanticoTactical.com.

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