SSI

Strategic Systems: ATS contract Award

dhawkins — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:04:28 +0000

SSI has recently been awarded a share of the Army Targetry Systems (ATS) Program. This is, to date, the largest contract that we have won without a teaming agreement with a larger company. We are proud of this as it shows that; both the training community and DoD have taken notice in our quality product and dedication to training support. We will meet this challenge and show that a small business, staffed by patriots who care about saving lives, is just as capable of delivering vital training systems to our Military.

- Thank you.

How RIAB works

dhawkins — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:23:07 +0000

This Series will teach you everything you need to know about the Deployment/Operation/Preventive Maintenance of your RIAB system:

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Wireless Network Theory:

The wireless system by the RIAB uses 2.4Ghz (and/or 5.8Ghz for some systems) WiFi technology. This is similar to the residential hardware you may use for wireless laptops or devices at home….The difference is, the RIAB wireless network is a MUCH stronger, Industrial strength [but license-free] network.

With any wifi network, there are parameters which can affect signal strength and coverage area:

– LINE OF SIGHT: Almost universally, you will have better connectivity when devices have no obstructions between them. Consequently, the more; leaves, walls, dirt mounds, and automobiles there are between devices, the poorer the signal will be. Also, these materials affect the signal differently, i.e. – a tree will not block the signal as much as a solid steel wall. In the photo below the vehicles and connex bldgs are roughly 400m away from Router Antenna in foreground, but because of the open terrain the signal was usable for target devices in that area , EXCEPT for inside the steel bldg when doors windows were closed. Had the router and devices been setup deep in the woods to the right or left, we could have expected maybe 150-200m effective range. Something to consider…
– HEIGHT: This works along the same principal as Line of Sight, the rule Being 1) The Higher you can place the Router Antenna, the farther your LoS and the better signal/coverage area, at least to the effective range of the router. In the above photo example the effective distance of 400m would have increased if the antenna was elevated 5-10′ or more. The standard recommendation is; 1) place Antenna(s) in the highest Out-of-Play area adjacent to the training area for maximum coverage.

- ANTENNA TYPE: The RIAB ships with Omni-direction antennas as standard, but other types may be used for certain applications. Keep in mind that the antenna in the photo above was radiating signal in every direction, including the Out-of-Play area. On a Qualification Range for example, a Panel type Antenna would be advisable, as it directs all of it’s signal forward, and signal is not “wasted”. Another concern is the Antenna “deployment pattern”…for example: a trainer would setup Antennas in a straight line with overlapping coverage to get a longer distance on a long range, or along a road for convoy-ops training. Whereas, in a Urban training area, the Antennas would likely be setup in a triangular array to maximize coverage around obstacles.

RIAB Deployment:

- ORDER of OPERATIONS: When setting up the RIAB always setup the Antenna first, it will typically take approx. 3 minutes for the router(s) to fully come online. While the Router(s) are booting it is safe to start the Laptop controller, once Windows is loaded wait for laptop to auto connect to “wireless_11g’ or “RIAB” network. Only after Laptop controller is connected to network is it ready to turn on Target Devices. (The Router/Laptop must be on in order to hand out ID numbers to the devices as they are turned on…)

RIAB Operation: Now that you’ve turned on the Router (waited approx. 3 minutes…), turned on Laptop HHC (and waited to auto-connect to “wireless_11g” -OR- “RIAB” network), then finally turned on TLD tgt devices….now what?

For basic testing and operation of RIAB tgts, find the RIAB or Range Control application icon on desktop and run it (double-click), the app main screen should populate with icons for each tgt that is turned ON:

Each icon on the screen represents (1) tgt in the training area, if you deploy 6 tgts, then you should have 6 icons…(if you do not, then follow the “troubleshooting” section below)

- Each icon will show the device’s current UP/DOWN status and a name/ID number

- Bottom screen section shows detailed info about target/scenario parameters

- For basic device operation testing simply highlight the chosen tgt(s) (check that device is clear of personnel hands!), and then hit the UP/DOWN arrows at top of screen for Manual tgt toggle.

This is for general testing/maintenance of tgts, the RIAB can be used in training this way BUT it will NOT register hits (drop) unless “Scenario” is turned on.

There are (2) distinct software versions for use with the RIAB; one is for standard training use (UAC/MOUT/IED Lane, …) while the other is geared towards Qualification Range Scoring.

BOTH WILL WORK WITH SAME TLD HARDWARE/SOFTWARE

***If you purchase the “LANE” qualification option, BOTH versions will work with your tgts.***

…more on Standard -vs- Lane to follow

- Standard

– Lane

Preventive Maintenance:

Battery -

The only “consumable” item in the RIAB system is the internal 12VDC battery and generally they will last 2-3 years before required replacement. Battery life will be affected by it’s environment and amount of use. Extreme heat/cold will adversely affect battery, as will improper charging. Batteries should be checked at least quarterly for voltage AND amperage (depth of charge) ***Older RIAB systems (pre-2010) that suffer from battery “brown-out” or excessive discharge may find that wifi hardware has to be reprogrammed (end user can do this , but it’s about a 15 min delay)*** OLD SYSTEMS=KEEP BATTERIES CHARGED

The POST-2009 systems DO NOT suffer from this but, in order to maximize training time, keep the batteries properly charged…

Chain -

Chain should be checked quarterly for tightness and lubrication. For lubrication, any light chain oil may be used to prevent rust. Chain tension should allow for no more than 1/4″ play, if adjustment is required then loosen (NOT REMOVE) the 4 Allen-head screws on the top of the tld, then use a 7/16″ socket to adjust bolt on the top-center section of the rear faceplate to the proper tension.

What YOU can fix/replace:

Nov. 2010 Shop Work

dhawkins — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:45:47 +0000

Getting Roger’s Range and Wyoming Natl. Guard RIAB tested and prepped for delivery…

Production side cutting/welding

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Automation Controls:

dhawkins — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:50:58 +0000

SSI in Control:

SSI employs a full staff of engineers ready to meet the needs of our clients. Our company began from an automation background, and although our focus has shifted to Military training support, we still provide systems for machine and factory floor control. We’ve worked with most major brands of machine control and can design and implement your specific control needs.

Custom Software Applications:

dhawkins — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:49:56 +0000

Strategic System’s strength both as a developer and integrator show in the custom software application built for our clients, and our own product lines.

Whether it’s automation standards like; WonderWare, or RSView, or something built from the “ground” up, SSI can provide clients with the Features they want, without the bugs they don’t.

In depth Client input and Communication during development ensure that change orders are minimized, and that increases productivity.

Custom Fabrication:

dhawkins — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:48:11 +0000

Our Precision machine shop fabricates all of the parts that comprise our patended RIAB lifter. Our turning, milling, boring, and grinding machines provide the power and our 4 and 5 axis CNC controlled machine tools help assure precision performance.

Rely on SSI’s Power. Versatility. Precision. These key elements are applied in our machine shop to assure that each piece of your project is created to exacting design tolerances.

Audio Systems:

dhawkins — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:46:31 +0000

“SSI”…sounds great:

SSI can provide paging/PA audio systems for any application from; Boardroom, Factory, Auditorium, and even Theme parks.

A scaleable approach to system design, SSI offers analog and IP (network) based audio systems for any size venue. Indoor/ Outdoor Systems, remote mic monitoring, auto alarm-synced audio, are all available. Our Custom Software can design your system to meet your job’s unique needs.

Security Systems:

dhawkins — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:34:21 +0000

Secure your Site with SSI:

Fire Alarm/Intrusion Detection/Door&Lighting Control Systems are all available with SSI.

Individual systems, or overall control from one workstation, SSI’s team of engineers can design; secure, cost-effective, solutions for your needs.

Protected: RIAB Manuals

dhawkins — Fri, 07 May 2010 02:46:01 +0000

MOUT / CACTF

dhawkins — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:58:18 +0000

With multiple conflicts overseas, troops are facing a new kind of battle. Because of this, need for MOUT (Mounted Operations in Urban Terrain) or (CACTF) Combined Arms Collective Training Facilities sites is higher than ever.

Strategic Systems, Inc. has developed a complete scenario control system that significantly enhances the effectiveness of urban training facilities. Our system incorporates state-of-the-art technology to provide integrated target systems, audio effects, video surveillance and feedback in addition to smoke, lighting, pyrotechnic controls and more.

SSI offers complete design and build from start to finish of MOUT control and surveillance systems. Our extremely flexible MOUT solution is based on a version of our TLD (Target Lifting Device.) Our patented TLD units incorporate revolutionary technology, allowing for smaller size, and cutting-edge technology at a lower price. MOUT/CACTF Systems may be scaled to meet the training needs of the individual facility, and can, in many cases, incorporate existing Ethernet/Fiber Optic Infrastructure.

SSI MOUT/CACTF Solutions offer:

• AUDIO CONTROLS

- Scenario Based

- Intercom System

- PA System

• VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

- Instant (AAR) Feedback

with Sound

- Video Scenario Integration with

Motion Sensors

- Wireless Technology Integration

Capable

• ADDITIONAL CAPABILITIES

- Door and Vent Operation and

Status Controls

- Smoke Generators

- Smoke Evacuation Controls

- Lighting Controls

- Pyrotechnics Controls

- Scent Generator Controls