Contents of Technomad military PA FAQ Technomad Military PA / Giant Voice Military Audio Systems -
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to read the answer.
» How reliable are Technomad Military PA Systems?
» Can I get Technomad Military PA systems wet?
» How clear / intelligible will speech be through a Military PA system?
» Where can I install them?
» What kind of power do they require?
» Are there WIRELESS PA systems?
» Can the systems be run from solar panels?
» Can Technomad Military PA systems be used for shipboard / marine applications?
» Why should I used Technomad Military PA systems instead of a "horn" system?
» How is the sound quality? Can I play music through a Technomad Military PA?
» Can I hook up my existing audio equipment to a Technomad Military PA?
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA system on a vehicle (i.e. Humvee?)
» How heavy is a Technomad Military PA?  Can one person move it?
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA PERMANENTLY on a building?
» What kind of operating range can I expect from the Technomad Military PA systems?
» Are Technomad Military PA systems expandable? Can I add more speakers to a basic system later?
» I want to cover a LARGE area ( i.e. an entire base ).  How can I do this?
» What special training or knowledge do I need to have to setup and use a Technomad Military PA system?
» Can I use Technomad PA Systems for Force Protection ?
» I need more information.
» I want to order NOW on GSA!
» How reliable are Technomad Military PA Systems?
Technomad Military PA Systems are completely weatherproof.  They are impervious to rain, snow, sleet, salt fog, UV radiation, insect attack, rough handling, and more.  [ See "torture testing" videos ]   They are Mil-Spec 810F compliant, and are constructed from thick, one-piece polyethylene. No other commercial or military loudspeaker comes close to the physical and electrical reliability of Technomad. [ Back to top ]
» Can I get Technomad Military PA systems wet?
Yes! Technomad loudspeakers are designed for permanent installation and mobile use outdoors.  They can be mounted to a vehicle or building without fear of weather damage (of course, proper installation instructions must be followed). The "control racks" - amplifier / mixer racks - can get wet when in case mode, but should be protected from moisture when in-use. [ Back to top ]
» How clear / intelligible will speech be through a Military PA system?
Technomad Military PA systems offer unmatched speech and voice clarity, free of horn-mouth distortion and the compressed frequency range of other systems. The result? Speech instructions are clear, intelligible, and natural sounding, even at the full operating power of the system. This is more than a luxury - clear speech is essential in emergency situations!  Choose Technomad Military PA systems for the best voice clarity available. [ Back to top ]
» Where can I install them?
Technomad Military PA systems can be installed on any vehicle, ship, or building using the optional wall-mounting brackets.  All Technomad Military PA systems include tripods for deployed / field use. [ Back to top ]
» What kind of power do they require?
Standard Technomad Military PA systems (MilPA1, MilPA2, MilPA3, MilPA4) operate off of standard 110/120V AC power. A 10A circuit provides ample current. "DC" Technomad Military PA systems (MilPA1DC, MilPA2DC, MilPA3DC, MilPA4DC) systems operate from BOTH 110/120V AC AND from 24 volt DC power. The 24 volt system must provide current of at least 65A. For vehicle mounted systems, we suggest a minimum alternator power of 100A. [ Back to top ]
» Are there wireless systems?
Yes. Technomad offers optional wireless link kits which allow you to send audio from any audio source to one (or many) receivers - while preserving CD quality sound.  The link kits are commonly used to relay audio from one "master" turnkey PA system to remote PA systems.  Technomad sales can help you design your wireless application. [ Back to top ]
» Can the systems be run from solar panels?
Technomad Military PA systems require at least 65A of 24V current to drive them, so it is unlikely your solar system can provide the necessary power. HOWEVER, if your solar system charges a 24V battery rig, then the Technomad Military PA can be driven from the batteries (just as in a vehicle mounted system).  Note that the length of time the system will operate is determined by the amp-hour capacity of the battery rig, and by the type of audio the PA system is reproducing. Speech will drain the batteries much less quickly than sustained, bass-heavy music.  [ Back to top ]
» Can Technomad Military PA systems be used for shipboard / marine applications?
YES - our systems are ideal for use on ships. The speakers are resistant to salt fog and corrosion, and provide clear speech and music for "standoff" warnings to small craft up to 1 mile away. The Military PA control rack should be operated in a dry location, but the loudspeakers can be permanently installed on-deck. The provided protective lids should be attached during extreme weather / hurricanes, etc.  [ More info on shipboard applications ]  [ back to top ]
» Why should I used Technomad Military PA systems instead of a "horn" system?
Horn systems degrade speech and destroy music quality. Technomad systems provide unmatched speech intelligibility, can play warning tones AND play music with outstanding quality. Technomad Military PA systems cover multiple uses: warning/siren playback, voice paging, and music playback, and do it all vastly better than a horn system or a "music store" PA system. [ Back to top ]
» How is the sound quality? Can I play music through a Technomad Military PA?
Technomad Military PA systems equal the music playback quality of the finest commercial PA systems. They deliver "no-compromises" music quality, with deep bass and clear, detailed highs. Speech, singing voice, and amplified instruments all sound great when reproduced by a Technomad military PA system. [ Back to top ]
» Can I hook up my existing audio equipment to a Technomad Military PA?
YES. Unlike other military audio products, Technomad systems are "open"- we provide mixers with standard XLR, 1/4", and RCA connectors, allowing you to plug virtually any audio playback device or signal source into the PA system. [ Back to top ]
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA system on a vehicle?
YES. [ Example ] Any "DC" Technomad Military PA system can operate off of 24V vehicle power. IMPORTANT: your vehicle must have a 100A alternator.   Note that Technomad does not provide specific mounting hardware to attach loudspeakers to a vehicle.  However, all Technomad loudspeakers include many strong, molded-in threaded inserts which can be used to bolt the loudspeaker to a support frame or other hardware. [ Back to top ]
» Can I mount a Technomad Military PA permanently on a building?
YES.  Technomad offers optional wall-mount brackets, which allow you to bolt a loudspeaker directly to a wall, pole or other strong stable structure. Note that exact interface details must be solved by the installer in the field. [ Back to top ]
» How heavy is a Technomad Military PA? Can one person move it?
Technomad Military PA systems can broken down and moved in compact (1-2 person lift) elements. No part of the system weighs more than 100 lb (45 Kg). The total weight of the systems ranges from @ 200 lbs (MilPA1)to @ 600 lbs (MilPA4DC). [ Back to top ]
» What kind of operating range can I expect from the Technomad Military PA systems?
Under optimal conditions (still air, no obstacles), the MilPA1 and MilPA3 system have a range of 1/2 mile (delivering 57.5 dB).  Under optimal conditions (still air, no obstacles), the MilPA2 and MilPA4 system have a range of 1 mile (delivering 57.5 dB). [ back to top ]
» Are Technomad Military PA systems expandable? Can I add more speakers to a basic system later?
YES. You can add like-type loudspeakers to any Technomad military PA system to bring the total quantity up to 6 loudspeakers (DC systems up to a maximum of 4). To add speakers to the MilPA1 or MilPA3, use the "Noho Expansion Kit" (product# 472-tno-727), consisting of 2 Noho C Loudspeakers and 2 loudspeaker cables.  To add speakers to the MilPA3 or MilPA4, use the "Berlin Expansion Kit" (product# 472-tno-728), consisting of Berlin 15/H Loudspeakers and 2 loudspeaker cables.  [ back to top ]
» I want to cover a LARGE area ( i.e. an entire base ).  How can I do this?
It is simple to "link" several Technomad Military PA systems with optional fiber-optic cable or telephone lines. This linked system can broadcast warning messages, siren tones, and music from a central command area to ALL the local PA systems. However, each individual Military PA system can continue to be used for local-area paging and music also. This is very useful if you have a number of functional areas (housing, weapons depot, firing range, etc.) which each require a local PA system AND need to all reproduce messages from a command area. Click here to download a PDF showing a base-wide PA system example. Technomad sales can help you determine how many Military PA systems and link modules you'll need for your large-area system. [ Back to top ]
» What special training or knowledge do I need to have to setup and use a Technomad Military PA system?
Technomad Military PA systems are designed to be simple to setup and use, and come with detailed, step-by-step instructions. [ See a video of a MilPA1 system being set up ]  Most people can have Technomad Military PA system up and running in @ 15 minutes, even if they have no prior audio experience. [ Back to top ]
» Can I use Technomad Military PA Systems for Force Protection?
Yes! Technomad military PA systems offer significant advantages over traditional force protection PA systems, such as those that use "horn" loudspeakers.  Advantages include: better speech intelligibility, multi-mode use (sirens / speech), quick setup in tactical environments. Contact Technomad for more details, and/or visit this page [ back to top ]
» I need more information.
Please click here to fill out our on-line information request form. We'll get back to you quickly (really). [ back to top ]
» I want to order NOW on GSA
Technomad systems are available on GSA schedule, and on the government on-line purchasing system GSA Advantage.  Please click here to read how to login to GSA Advantage and order.  You can also order on GSA in the usual off-line ways - click here for details.  [ back to top ]
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